Dalmore 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) vs The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Dalmore 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
DistilleryDalmoreThe Lakes Distillery
Region
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.1%52%
Age14 yrNAS
Price£129.95£84.95
Rating5.00/5

Dalmore 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner65/100
Value59/100

Dalmore 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is better value at £85 vs £130.

For beginners: The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Dalmore 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£129.95 vs £84.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£84.95 vs £129.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water

Who should buy Dalmore?

Dalmore 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy The?

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Dalmore 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Dried FruitChocolateCooked Fruit

Only The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

VanillaToastedHoney

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